This state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), designed by GMC for Baptist East in Montgomery, Ala., is designed to provide advanced neonatal care in a modern, patient-centered environment that prioritizes both clinical efficiency and family support. | Photo Credit (all): Courtesy of GMC
By Lindsey Coulter
Chip DeShields (pictured right) recently joined architecture and engineering firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) as Vice President of Healthcare Business Development, where he will identify opportunities for the firm in the healthcare space throughout the Southeast.
DeShields has extensive experience in strategic planning and implementation, and his career of developing relationships and driving growth spans almost three decades. During that time he has served as a fellow and vice president of business development for the Health Facility Institute, a president of the Mobile Post of the Society of American Military Engineers and a member of the American Society of Healthcare Engineers, DeShields is active and involved in the AEC industry
With GMC, DeShields is now responsible for identifying, developing and securing new business opportunities in both the public and private sectors as well as engaging new healthcare clients and nurturing long-term relationships with existing ones, working with GMC teams in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas.
“Chip’s work ethic and integrity are respected in the healthcare community, and we are fortunate to have him on our team,” said Steve Alby, Vice President of Healthcare for GMC.
Upon joining GMC, DeShields spoke with Healthcare Construction + Operations News about the industry’s evolution and what continues to excite him
HCO: You’ve spent nearly three decades in business development. What pivotal moments or mentors shaped your decision to focus on healthcare, and what has kept you committed to this sector?
I have witnessed firsthand catastrophic failures by healthcare providers that have taken the lives of people I love far too early. The built environment, especially as it relates to healthcare, can serve to promote healing and can inspire healthcare providers to serve patients better. Well-planned and well-designed facilities can help to comfort and bring peace to loved ones who spend long hours bedside, helping to encourage healing. The trauma associated with supporting loved ones in a time of need in a poorly designed facility was a pivotal moment for me, and that shaped my decision to focus on healthcare. It has been a truly gratifying experience and a blessing to see first-class healthcare facilities open that inspire both patients and healthcare providers and provide a safe, nurturing environment.
HCO: How has your approach to healthcare business development evolved over the course of your career?
DeShields: Technology has radically changed my approach. As ridiculous as it sounds now, a typical day used to begin with settling in my office (nearly an hour drive from home) and flipping through my paper calendar planner to review unfinished business. I then made notes with a pencil and sorted through my Rolodex for contact information to make calls (on my landline telephone) to schedule lunch with a client to make a sales pitch.
These days, I manage many more client relationships and have an unlimited source of potential leads for which I am responsible. It is exciting every day to get started — and GMC helps make that easier by providing the latest technological tools. Maybe that’s what’s keeping me young!
That said [technology] can never replace the face-to-face interactions with clients, consultants, peers, and others important to GMC’s success—which is to help build relationships and the communities we are blessed to serve.
HCO: What advice would you offer to the latest generation of professionals joining the industry?
DeShields: My advice to younger professionals who are eager to meet client expectations and build new relationships is to consider the importance of taking the time for personal, face-to-face human interaction. While it may be easier and more comfortable socially to simply email, text or chat online with your clients and peers, lasting relationships built on human interaction will always have value. Young professionals who can master the ability to connect with people will have a valuable skill that others may not have or choose to have. There is something interesting, special, and beautiful about every person you meet if you are willing to take the time to see it — and those people make great clients.